THEATER REVIEW - “Don’t Dress for Dinner”

THEATER REVIEW - “Don’t Dress for Dinner” - Produced by: Theatre Three – Port Jefferson - Reviewed by: Jeb Ladouceur

A theatrical farce is a play whose only objective is to entertain the audience by presenting comedic situations that are highly exaggerated, extravagant, and likely improbable. Accordingly, actors, directors, and producers of these humorous rib-ticklers love to see their shows labeled “ridiculous” … “far-fetched” … and even “outrageous.” Indeed, the more preposterous a farce is labeled, the more successful it likely will be. Principals at Theatre Three should find some satisfaction, therefore, in this reviewer’s evaluation of “Don’t Dress for Dinner” … which runs at their comfortable and affordable playhouse in Port Jefferson thru February 7^th. The show is an almost perfect example of the genre, and not to be missed.

Some of the keenest wags in literature have demonstrated their genius for farce on stage over the years. Playwrights like Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest), William Shakespeare (The Comedy of Errors), and Moliere (Tartuffe) are among those that come immediately to mind … and let’s not forget the great Noel Coward (Blithe Spirit). These artists knew how to evoke laughter so spontaneous that titters … spawn guffaws … that generate howls … and we in the audience have little control over the ensuing hilarity.

Further, no list of the best masters of farce would be complete without the inclusion of Frenchman, Marc Camoletti, whose “Boeing-Boeing” is credited with being the most frequently performed French play of all time! That show’s six-year run was matched, however, by Camoletti’s farce (adapted by playwright Robin Hawdon) and it’s now drawing belly laughs under Director Mary Powers at Long Island’s gem of a theater at 412 Main Street in Port Jeff.

There are six veteran actors commanding the Theatre Three stage in “Don’t Dress for Dinner,” and each is significantly different from the others. First, is the reincarnation of Donald O’Connor, James D. Schultz, who plays everybody’s used and abused, double-taking buddy ‘Robert.’ His female counterpart is the voluptuous ‘Suzanne,’ interpreted with gusto (and cleavage) by Marquez Catherine Stewart … and Stewart has all she can do to keep up with diminutive pepperpot, Amanda Geraci, who might steal the show as ‘Suzette,’ if the hilarious lines were not so evenly distributed.

The backbone of this non-stop cast of comedic pros is the duo comprised of Regina Schneider (‘Jacqueline’), she of the mile-long legs and longer resume … and the well-traveled Marc T Cahill (Bernard’), around whom the action swirls in time with his perfectly established pace. Ultimately, just when we think nothing could get funnier in this romp-a-minute classic, Bret Chizever (George) bursts in to prove us wrong.

And speaking of pace … farces, with their frequent twists of plot and unexpected events, are largely dependent on timing … so both director and players must be in sync. I saw not a single instance during last weekend’s performance where this was lacking in the sidesplitting give-and-take—that’s top-notch theater.

Finally (because even we long-winded critics must call a halt to our reporting at some point) Randall Parsons’s French Country house set is absolutely inspired … Robert W. Henderson, Jr.’s lighting is flawless … and Ronald Green III should get a medal for dressing the willowy Schneider so beautifully.

In sum: Don’t attempt to justify the absurdity of the plot in “Don’t Dress for Dinner” … it can’t be done any more than one can know what compels half a dozen frolicking squirrels to scamper about in the treetops. Just go to Theatre Three … sit back and enjoy … and be glad you didn’t pay four times as much for a lesser show two hours away.

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 Award-winning writer, Jeb Ladouceur is the author of nine novels, and his theater and book reviews appear in several major L.I. publications. In his newest thriller, HARVEST, an American military doctor is seized by a sinister gang of organ traffickers in The Balkans, and ordered to perform illegal surgeries.

St.Catherine's Drs And Nurses Give A Gift Of Confidence And Smiles

(L-R): Omar Reid and St. Catherine’s Operating Room Nurse Ethelia McKay, ANCC.Smithtown, NY— Many infants are born with birthmarks—and while many can mimic a favorable heart shape adored by parents—others are not as admired, specifically birthmarks known as congenital hairy nevus, a type of mole found on infants at birth. The congenital mole is often a light brown to black patch that over time can grow and with excess hair in variety of shapes and sizes. While it only affects 1% of infants worldwide, 15% of infants with the diagnosis have these patches located on their heads or neck, which overtime can become problematic and later present emotional issues. The standard form of treatment is usually surgical, and for smaller patches laser removal has proven successful. However for one 14 year old boy from the small island of Jamaica, without a team of mission-driven health care professionals from Long Island, removal of his congenital hairy nevus that covered almost half his face would have been impossible.

(L-R): Thomas Armocida, PA, and Plastic/Reconstruction Surgeon Nabil Kiridly, MD.For Omar Reid, playing with friends was not a normalcy. When St. Catherine’s operating room nurse Ethelia McKay was on holiday in her native Jamaica, as she drove through the streets, passed the plentiful mango trees and small villages, she saw a young boy, sitting at the side of the road, slumped. His body language showed anguish and sadness, so much that Ethelia stopped driving, pulled her car over, got out, and without hesitation, walked over to the boy to see what was ailing him. When he looked up at her, he need not say anything because on his face, he wore the story of his burden.

Omar was diagnosed with congenital hairy nevus as an infant, and as he grew, so did his unwanted birthmark that made him so different from all the other school children. Young children, even many adults seemed to scorn him, shattering his self-esteem and confidence, concealing a smile that could light up an entire room. Ethelia knew that after her holiday ended and she arrived back at the operating room at St. Catherine, the conversation had to start about Omar and how they could help him. The team of committed health care professionals were prepared and ready to bring him to the United States to begin his treatment plan. “I just wanted to try to offer him a chance, so I simply asked if there was anything that could be done and that question has changed one young child’s life in such a positive way, forever,” said Ethelia. “Omar’s confidence that was once drowning in sadness has found its life, and now when you see him smile, you can’t help but to smile too.”

Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon Nabil Kiridly, MD, took the lead with the surgery. “There was no question after Ethelia told me about Omar that we had to help him—it was just a matter of time,” said Dr. Kiridly. Omar has had two surgical procedures, one in July and another in November—his surgical plan thus far, consisted of skin grafting, whereby skin from his tummy replaced the surface of where the congenital mole used to be. He will continue to need follow-up care, and may need more surgery in the future, all of which will be sponsored by Dr. Kiridly and St. Catherine of Siena. “His treatment thus far has been absolutely successful— now when you see Omar, a boy who used to hold his head down in shame of what others thought of him— is now all smiles and all he exudes is confidence,” said Dr. Kiridly.

One of the operating room nurses continued her mission after hours as well. Kelly Regan took Omar into her home to provide round the clock post-operative care for two weeks. Her responsiveness to assist someone in need reigns with that of the CHS mission.

“As a Catholic hospital, we are guided by our mission-driven purpose to provide healing to all walks of life—this is just one of the many examples of the charitable work St. Catherine of Siena is committed too,” said St. Catherine’ Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Paul J. Rowland. “Our administrative team is exceedingly proud of the spirit of our employees to be vigilant and available to help meet the needs of others while at work and even on vacation.”

In December 2014, as Omar’s mother Patricia sat in the waiting room for the physician who so generously donated his time and expertise, she smiled in relief, knowing his life is now removed of the pain that used to smother his confidence. The two of them took their camera and captured photos of one another gloriously, smiling from ear to ear. Omar’s story is not a miracle; it is the realization of mission-driven work at its finest.

Preparations have been made for Omar to remain in New York with extended family, where he will be able to continue to follow-up with Dr. Kiridly, attend school—no longer in fear, but with youthful enthusiasm, excitement, and the most confident smile.

For more information about St. Catherine of Siena Medical Center, please call (631) 870-3444 or visit stcatherines.chsli.org.

Traveling On Landing Ave Was Dangerous And Almost Impossible

Multiple motor vehicle accidents were reported on Landing Ave. in Smithtown.  The photo on the far right shows cars lined up along Landing Ave. Drivers were confronted with a harrowing trip up the Landing Ave. hill which was covered with black ice. Some opted to wait it out and others slowly turned south onto Oakside Road. The two mv incidents shown are just two of the cars that spun out of control. (photos courtesy of C. Troccoli)

There were also many injuries caused by falls on residential properties.  

Click on photos to enlarge.

The Newest Fitzpatrick Meets Cardinal Dolan

L-R Michael Edward Fitzpatrick, Katelyn Ann Fitzpatrick,Corina Fitzpatrick-Rosario, Cardinal Dolan with Declan Paul Fitzpatrick Rosario, Jose Miguel RosarioDeclan Paul Fitzpatrick Rosario (grandson of Assemblyman Michael Fitzpatrick) was born in Manhattan, New York on Friday, November 7^th, 2014 and was baptized on Saturday, December 20^th, 2014 by His Eminence Timothy Cardinal Dolan, Archbishop of New York at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. In the photo celebrating his baptism were his parents Jose Miguel Rosario and Corina Fitzpatrick-Rosario and his Godparents, Katelyn Ann Fitzpatrick and Michael Edward Fitzpatrick.

Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Edward Walsh Arrested And Charged With Scheme To Defraud The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Edward Walsh Charged With Scheme To Defraud The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office

U.S. DOJ  - 

Wednesday, January 7, 2015

Walsh Allegedly Represented Falsely That He Worked Regular and Overtime Hours for The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office When He Was Playing Golf, Visiting Casinos, or Performing Work on Behalf of the Suffolk County Conservative Party

Suffolk County Conservative Party Chairman Edward M. Walsh, Jr. was arrested today on charges that he engaged in a scheme to steal wages for regular and overtime hours in connection with his employment with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office (“SCSO”). He was arraigned today before United States Magistrate Judge A. Kathleen Tomlinson at the federal courthouse in Central Islip.

The charges were announced by Loretta E. Lynch, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and George Venizelos, Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office (FBI).

As alleged in the criminal complaint unsealed today, from January 2011 to April 2014, Walsh, a SCSO Correction Officer III Investigator, falsely represented to the SCSO that he had worked certain regular and overtime hours when, in fact, he did not. read more